In response to countless requests, the Choir of St. Patrick Church, lead by Mark Spencer, Choir Master, will perform a “Concert In The Cathedral,” on Friday, February 22, 2008, at 8:00 p.m., at St. Patrick Church, 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl, in the Main Sanctuary. The concert will be a preview of the Choir’s performances in the Vatican Sacred Art & Music Festival in Rome - and - St. Paul's Cathedral, London, all taking place in November 2008. Concert sponsored in part by Catering by Lovables and Barefoot Wine. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information please call: 786-586-4286 or visit www.stpatrickmiamibeach.com.

St. Patrick Choir consists of 33 trained voices - a group of educated, professional, & wonderfully diverse Men and Women. Due to the exceptional quality of the Choir, St. Patrick Church enjoys a reputation for exceptional Liturgies. People from every faith and walk of life come to St. Patrick Church to experience and share the love of God with - and - through each other. All are welcome here!

Mark Spencer, Choir Master and Principal Organist for St. Patrick Church, received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Miami in both vocal and instrumental performance before pursuing a Masters Degree in harp performance once again from the University of Miami. During his studies at UM, he also performed as second harpist for both the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and the New World Symphony.

In 1995, Mark began doctoral studies in harp performance at Northwestern University in Evanston/Chicago, Illinois, where he performed as second harpist with the Chicago Civic Orchestra and principal harpist for the Northwestern Philharmonia. Mr. Spencer has concertized extensively as harp, organ, and piano soloist throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy.

The mission of the Aqua Foundation for Women is to promote the equality, strength, health, and visibility of South Florida Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender (LBT) women.Aqua Foundation for Women Family of Scholarships Award 2008

Description: The Aqua Foundation will offer scholarship awards of $1,000.00 and $3,000.00

Purpose of Award: To encourage continuing education for self-identified Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender students and to recognize future LBT leaders in South Florida.

Eligibility: You must be a resident of Broward, or Miami Dade County, have a history of leadership in the LBT community and plan to be a LBT leader in the future. You must submit an application with required supporting materials.

Application Deadline: Application and supporting material must be postmarked by March 1 2008 - AFW, Family of Scholarships Selection Committee, 1521 Alton Road, #117, Miami Beach, FL 33139 For further information, call the office of AFW at (305) 576-AQUA or you can email the Scholarship Chair at: veronica@aquafoundation.org.

PONCE DE LEON, FL – A Florida high school has been trampling the First Amendment rights of students who support equal rights for gay people, according to a federal lawsuit filed today by the American Civil Liberties Union. In its lawsuit, the ACLU describes an atmosphere of fear and censorship at Ponce de Leon High School, where the school board’s attorney says even expressions like a rainbow sticker may mean students are members of an “illegal organization.” Ponce de Leon High School is located in Holmes County in the Florida Panhandle.

“All any of us wants to do is be able to talk about gay rights issues without having to be scared,” said Heather Gillman, a 16-year-old junior and straight student at the school. “Nobody should have to worry about being kicked out of school just for having a rainbow sticker on your notebook.”

The ACLU sent a letter in November to the school board’s attorney on behalf of Gillman, asking for clarification as to whether a variety of symbols and slogans, such as the rainbow flag or “I support my gay friends,” would be allowed at the school. The school district replied that it would not allow any expressions of support for gay rights at all because such speech would “likely be disruptive.” The district then went even further, claiming that such symbols and slogans were signs that students were part of a “secret/illegal organization.” The letter was sent after Gillman and other students approached the ACLU about an atmosphere in which students say they were routinely intimidated by school officials and prohibited from engaging in such behavior as writing “gay pride” on their arms and notebooks or wearing rainbow-themed clothing. According to students, problems began in September when a lesbian student tried to report to school officials that she was being harassed by other students. Instead of addressing the harassment, students say school officials responded with intimidation and censorship.

“Because the Supreme Court has held that students have a right to free speech at school unless that speech disrupts the educational process, many administrators think they can just slap the label ‘disruptive’ on anything they don’t like and get away with stomping on students’ First Amendment rights. The law doesn’t work that way,” said Benjamin James Stevenson, ACLU of Florida staff attorney who is representing Gillman. . “School should be a marketplace of ideas, where students share new ideas and learn about themselves and others. Just talking about gay rights or any other topic outside of class isn’t inherently disruptive.”

In the complaint filed today, the ACLU asked the court for an injunction to stop Ponce de Leon High School officials from suppressing students’ First Amendment rights in the future.

“Writing something like ‘I support gay rights’ on your notebook doesn’t mean you’re part of some secret conspiracy or shadowy organization,” said Christine Sun, a staff attorney with the ACLU’s national Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project. “Schools shouldn’t be in the business of trying to frighten students into silence.”

Ponce de Leon High School is located in Holmes County, halfway between Pensacola and Tallahassee, in Florida’s Panhandle. According to the school’s website, about 400 students are enrolled there. Heather Gillman is represented by Stevenson and Robert Rosenwald of the ACLU of Florida and Sun of the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project.

Gillman v. Holmes County School District, case no. 5:08-cv-34 was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Florida, Panama City Division. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Richard Smoak. A copy of today’s complaint as well as the ACLU’s earlier letter and the school’s response can be downloaded at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/33859res20080131.html

Congregation Etz Chaim, located in Wilton Manors, will honor Rita Fischer, Larry Friedlander and the Jewish Federation of Broward County at its 34th Anniversary Gala Dinner/Dance, to be held Saturday, April 5, in the New River Room of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception on the veranda followed by a sumptuous dinner and dancing.

The Gala will honor two special members of the CEC family. “Mamasita” Rita Fischer, a PFLAG Mom and “snowbird” from New York, is best-known for raising copious amounts of money in support of the Metropolitan New York AIDS Walk. Larry Friedlander, a Holocaust survivor and father of three, has served the Synagogue in various posts, most notably as President of the Congregation and Chair of the Ritual Committee. Cong. Etz Chaim will also inaugurate a new award, the Community Tikkun Olam Award which will be presented to the Jewish Federation of Broward County in recognition of its outstanding service to the community.

“We are really thrilled with this year’s honorees” commented Congregation President Lyn Saberg. “Rita and Larry each have a long history of involvement with our Congregation and exemplify some of the diversity that exists among our members. We also are particularly pleased to recognize the Broward Federation for the wonderful efforts they have made to be inclusive and to unify the Jewish community.”

Historically, Congregation Etz Chaim has served as a spiritual home for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews from the entire tri-county area of South Florida. Rabbi Harold Caminker is in his third year as spiritual leader.

Members of the community are welcome to attend this Gala Dinner Dance. Tickets to the Gala are $105 for Congregation and Federation members and $125 for non-members and guests. For further information, ticket sales, and commemorative ad journal ads, contact Congregation Administrator Sherry Davidson at (954) 564-9232 or Vice President of Fundraising Alex Rosenberg at (561) 716-4825. Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1881 N.E. 26 Street, in Wilton Manors. Sabbath Services are held on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m.

Sweetheart’s BINGO! (Saturday, February 9th, 7 p.m., GLCC Main Hall)Have you heard about BINGO night? People are talking, because it is fun, and very popular! Come in hungry – the kitchen is open! BINGO happens the second Saturday of each month and is not your Grandma’s blue-haired Bingo, but you can bring her along-- or wear your own blue hair! This Saturday’s theme is “Sweethearts Bingo” so you can come as a heart, in red, or a red boa or anything you want! It’s about fun, so be prepared-- adult humor happens! Please bring a nonperishable food item to Bingo and be entered in a raffle to win a special prize.

Bingo Sponsorships are available for $25 (call one game). Make announcements before and/or during the game, promote your organization and/or event, bring banners and paraphernalia, set up a display table and that’s it. It’s a great opportunity! Other sponsorship opportunities include being a raffle sponsor by donating a raffle prize to be given away after the 50/50 drawing. In any case, show up and have fun… Just by being there you help us support GLCC programs and services including free HIV testing by the GLCC of over 250 people per month. Have fun and help your community.

Name That Tune, Not-So-Serious-Seniors (Tuesday, February 11th, 1-3:00 p.m., GLCC Main Hall)

This event for seniors and their friends is growing in popularity FAST and is a lot of fun… Definitely a place to meet people, have some good clean fun and mix it up with tunes of yesteryear. Don’t leave your memory at home or your dancin' shoes -- you will need it for Name That Tune! It’s your chance to get together and take a walk down memory lane! You will be in good company!! A small donation of $5 is suggested at the door and includes refreshments. For more information contact Ken Merrifield, Group Chair at 954-561-0988

Dolphin Democrats (Wednesday, February 13th, 7:30-9:30 p.m., GLCC)

Did you know the Dolphin Democrats meet at the GLCC every month? Their mission statement includes to: “foster good will between gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) members of the Democratic Party and the community at large. We (Dolphin Democrats) seek individual freedom in the framework of a just society and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens." If you are a politically mind person from our community and want to become more active, this could be a great place to start! Nominating and Election Committee has been organized for the election of Officers and Directors at this February 13, 2008 meeting. Don't miss the opportunity to join and have your voice heard.

Fun, Fun, Fun….This event last year was standing room only at the GLCC if you can imagine that! Boys and Girls dressing up to confuse gender identity and promote either their own sense of self, or to make a statement, it doesn’t matter…this is good clean fun. This non-alcoholic event is sure to be a blast and tickets are available at the door for only $12 per person. Refreshments will be served!

Did someone say Stars of the Rainbow? Who are these stars? Did we miss a new TV production? It’s not that kind of star. This is the GLCC’s annual event to recognize and celebrate the stars in our community. These stars are volunteers, activists, and agencies in our community who are represent spirit, drive and dedication in supporting our GLBT community. There are nine categories ranging from “Individuals” (Honorees are Michael Greenspan, Judy Shepherd, Tony Timiraos and Larry Wald), to “Volunteer” (Honoree is Marc Hansen), and Media (Honorees are Howard Finkelstein and Dale Madison). For information about additional honorees, please go to www.starsoftherainbow.com or www.glccsf.org. Tickets can be purchased in advance and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 954-463-9005 or by emailing Robert Boo, Director of Development at rboo@glccsf.org

Would You Like to Be Updated About GLCC Events and Services?

The GLCC of South Florida sends out regular EVoice email newsletters that will keep you current and ‘up to the minute’ on events, services and helping you Connect With Your Community! If you do not currently receive the GLCC’s EVoice and you would like to learn more about everything from travel services and events, to how to get help with your health or emotional well being, please visit the GLCC website, www.glccsf.org and sign-up to receive the EVoice. It’s easy to do!

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 —USA Today recently reported on a new study finding that “being bisexual is a distinct orientation in women, not a temporary phase.” Amy André, Julie Ebin and Marshall Miller, co-authors of Bisexual Health, published by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute, comment on this latest study by Lisa Diamond, an associate professor of psychology and gender studies at the University of Utah. That study is soon to be published in the Journal of Developmental Psychology, a publication of the American Psychological Association.

Download a copy of Bisexual Healthhere. Read the USA Today story here.

“Lisa Diamond’s recent findings come as no surprise to the nearly 5 million women in the U.S. who identify as bisexual. Where Professor Diamond has broken ground, and quite successfully, is in letting the rest of the country in on the news.

“Bisexuality, defined as experiencing attraction to other adults, regardless of gender, has often been described by mono-sexual people (i.e., heterosexuals, gays and lesbians) as mysterious and difficult to understand. This is because mono-sexual people take gender into account when assessing attraction; therefore, it can be challenging to imagine that there is a whole world of people out there who don’t do the same.

“Half of all those who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, identify as bisexual, according to research from the National Survey on Family Growth, as well as other sources. That means that bisexuals make up the largest group within the LGB population. As one of them, I was intrigued to read a recent issue of USA Today.

“USA Today pointed out, in an article about Professor Diamond’s work, that ‘[w]omen’s bisexuality [is] an identity, not [a] phase.’ The truth is, it can be both, in the same way that identifying as heterosexual can be a phase prior to a period of identifying as gay or lesbian or bisexual. That’s because identity is entwined language. Identity is about the language we use to describe ourselves to others, to let others know about internal processes and demographic characteristics. Many people who currently use terms like ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ or ‘bisexual’ to identify themselves used to use terms like ‘heterosexual’ or ‘straight.’ For some women, bisexual identity is a phase, prior to using a different term. However, for other women — in fact, for most women who experience attraction to other adults, regardless of gender — ‘bisexual’ is the term used most consistently over time to label their identity.

“But, as we’re rushing to state that bisexual identity is usually not a phase, it’s important to recognize that there is also nothing wrong with phases. If there is one thing I learned from getting a master’s degree in sexuality studies, it’s that, for many people, sexuality evolves over the course of a lifetime. For example, research from Lisa Diamond shows that many women who used to use the word ‘lesbian’ to identify themselves later in life come to identify as bisexual. For these women, identifying as a lesbian was a phase — but one that was as valid and true for them then as bisexual is now.

“Phases are useful elements of the growth process. The problem with phases is when evidence of a phase is used to perpetuate biphobia. The great thing about Professor Diamond’s research is that we can point out the fallacy of the biphobic argument that bisexual identity is always and only temporary — and that that’s a bad thing.

“For all women who identify as bisexual (whether consistently, as most do, or temporarily, as some do) biphobia impacts their lives in many ways. While co-authoring Bisexual Health, I read study after study proving that bi women bear the brunt of biphobia every single day. In fact, bisexuals experience more stigma than people of other orientations, gay and straight.

“Research shows that there are numerous harmful stereotypes about bisexuality, proving that biphobia is unfortunately alive and well. What I appreciate about Professor Diamond is that her work has the potential to draw attention to the realities of bi women’s lives, and therefore undo some of the harm that biphobia has caused.”

With a master’s degree in sexuality studies from San Francisco State University, Amy André writes and lectures extensively on sexuality topics, with a focus on bisexuality. Visit her online at www.amyandre.com.

From Marshall Miller:

“In Bisexual Health, we call for more research into bisexuality and the experiences of bisexual people. This journal article offers just that — a thoughtful, accurate look into the lives of bisexual women. Thank you to the Journal of Developmental Psychology for confirming what the bisexual community has known for a long time: that bisexuality is a real, valid sexual orientation.

“According to the National Survey of Family Growth, 2.8 percent of women ages 18 to 44 identify as bisexual. (In comparison, 1.3 percent identify as lesbian.) It's about time someone took a serious look at their lives and debunked the many myths that surround bisexuality.

“I've counseled hundreds of men and women who are in the process of coming out as bisexual. Despite the existence of millions of other Americans who identify as bi, they come out into a world where scant information exists about bisexuality, and where the experience of being attracted to both men and women is often invalidated. I'm glad to see research that confirms so many people's experience: bisexuality just as real as being lesbian, gay, or heterosexual.

“Some people mistakenly believe that bisexuality is merely a transition stage from straight to gay. Lisa Diamond's 10-year longitudinal study proves that's not true. At the 10-year point in her study, Diamond reports that more women identified as bisexual or didn't choose a label at all, not less.

“An important research study like this one is wonderful for bisexual visibility. But that's also just the beginning: bisexual people need resources, support, and information. We encourage anyone with an interest in bisexuality, HIV/STI prevention, or GLBT health to download a copy ofBisexual Health. Many people are now aware that bisexuality exists. What they many not know is that there's a national bisexual community. Learn more here.”

Marshall Miller is the founder of the BiHealth Program at Fenway Community Health.

From Julie Ebin:

“Lisa Diamond’s study provides thoughtful, sound research on bisexuality that takes into account the nuances of bisexual, unlabeled and lesbian identities. This study provides scientific confirmation for what many bisexuals already know: that we exist and we are not merely going through a phase.

“As we discuss in Bisexual Health, there is a need for thoughtful research like this study that examines the similarities and differences between bisexuality and other identities. I applaud Diamond for taking this approach and encourage other researchers to similarly compare identities rather than lumping bisexuals in with heterosexuals or lesbians/gays. Researchers who are interested in a detailed discussion of this issue can download Bisexual Health.

“Health care providers can learn from this study: It’s important to ask about all patients’ sexual behavior and sexual identity, accepting their self-identification as valid and serving them according to their actual physical and mental health needs. Too many individuals experience biphobia from health care providers, and we need to do better at getting people the care they need.”

Julie Ebin manages the BiHealth Program at The Fenway Institute at Fenway Community Health in Boston. BiHealth resources at can be accessed at www.fenwayhealth.org/bihealth.

Bisexuality a focus of interest at The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, Feb. 6–10, in Detroit, Mich.

Julie Ebin will be part of the team presenting at the pre-conference institute titled Charm School for Activists: Effectively Advocating for Your LGBTI Issue. Workshops of interest include Crossing Lines: Identity and the Sexuality Spectrum, and Bi Theory: A Discussion of Human Sexuality and Models of Sexual Identity Development. There will also be three caucuses focused on the bisexual community.

Learn more about The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change here.